Vote.

This is not an editorial endorsement of any candidate on today’s ballot. Believe me, the gulf between political viewpoints in the TCD office is wide. Our “healthy discussions” sometimes turn silly, with faces made behind backs and mock name-calling; and even if we were so inclined, there wouldn’t be enough agreement to officially throw a hat behind any candidate without a dissenting opinion next to it.

I imagine by now you have had your fill of articles, ads and mailings telling you who deserves your vote. Hopefully you’ve read all of the election coverage we’ve provided on ThirdCoast Digest and it was helpful in forming your opinion and decision. You are grown-ups and know what you want in a governor, senator, representative or head dog catcher, so we don’t need to tell you who to choose this midterm election.

Instead, this is simply a reminder to cast your ballot today.

Over 234 years ago, the founding fathers began this grand experiment to enact a government “for the people and by the people.” Sadly, we haven’t always included or allowed everyone to take part, but after some tweaks to our constitution, protests and bloodshed, we all have the opportunity to have our voices heard.

Flickr Creative Commons photo by DVIDSHUB

Voting is a privilege that millions in the world would love to have. In the past decade we have seen the people of Iraq and Afghanistan intrepidly cast their ballots to choose their own leaders, sometimes under the threat of death.

Some of you are saying, “my vote doesn’t count; politicians will do whatever they want.” I suggest you read Will Durst’s opinion after this.

But if you truly believe in limited government, nationalized health care, increased military action, green energy legislation, pro-life policies, activist judges or high-speed trains, then you need to vote for the candidate that fills the bill.

And don’t be afraid to cross over on the ballot. In 27 years I have never voted a straight ticket. There are Republicans that fill the bill on some issues, while I’ve given the nod to the Democrat if they have what I think is the answer facing our nation, state or city. No one party has all the answers, so give every candidate a look and make your decision on the candidate’s policies, not what letter follows the name.

But even if you are a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green Party member or Socialist — don’t waste your birthright. Don’t waste the responsibility you owe your fellow citizens. Vote.

Don’t know where to vote? Click here. Did you move recently? If so, you may need to register at your new polling location, so be sure to bring an energy or phone bill that reflects your current address.